Minister Hames accused of 'sidelining' health

The former head of the Western Australian branch of the Australian Medical Association has taken a swipe at the state's Health Minister, Kim Hames, accusing him of spending too much time on his tourism portfolio and not enough on health.

Dave Mountain has accused Doctor Hames of being "less hands-on" and "less involved" with the health portfolio at a time when the system needs the most attention.

Professor Mountain says Doctor Hames should be lobbying the Government for more money in the wake of Treasury's decision to shave 1.5 per cent off health spending.

"Well we are just concerned that health, which has gone through a very difficult period over the last few months, has been sidelined and we need a minister that is completely focussed on that task", he said.

The Director General of Health says he has never had any problems contacting the Minister on health issues.